I've always loved L.M. Montgomery's books, but I usually don't venture outside of her Anne and Emily series. So this year's Reading to Know Book Club selection provided the perfect balance for me - one Anne book of my choosing and The Blue Castle, Montgomery's only book set somewhere other than Prince Edward Island.

I have read The Blue Castle before (the plot gradually came back to me as I read), but it had been years. There was much that I didn't remember, but I enjoyed rediscovering it all.

Valancy's sense of humor as she began to shake off her mother's shackles was incredibly amusing, even if I can't picture myself ever talking to someone that way. What would it be like if we all went around saying exactly what we were thinking, even (especially) if it wasn't something nice? Would our relationships deteriorate because we were offending our friends and family, or would our relationships grow stronger because everyone is telling the truth and has nothing to hide? Some relationships would survive, I am sure, but it seems like an awfully dangerous experiment.

Valancy and Barney's love story is rather unorthodox. But isn't it just like Montgomery to have her characters fall in love over the beauty and wildness of nature? There have been many moments in my life when I wished I could see the world through Lucy Maud Montgomery's eyes. What a magical place it becomes, and what wonderful writing she uses to describe it!

For the L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge this month, I also reread Anne of Avonlea (for about the eighteenth time). I always love revisiting Prince Edward Island and renewing my friendship with Anne. And much of that (this time at least) was exactly what I just mentioned in the paragraph above - Montgomery's descriptions of the world around her. I just love to revel in the magic she brings to nature by the word-pictures she draws.

I can't say that The Blue Castle is my favorite Montgomery book, but I was glad to be given the chance to reread it. It helped remind me of all the amazing Montgomery stories there are out there, beyond the world of Emily and Anne. I just may find myself exploring more of these stories in the very near future!

I know what you mean about sounding like Diana! I hope seeing through Montgomery's eyes is something that can be learned. I'll keep trying! :)

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My name is Julie, and I own a lot of books. As in, they are stacked on the floor because I've run out of room on the shelves. And those shelves? There are so many books on them that they smile -- not sag; smile. This blog will cover book reviews and all manner of other bookish things.